ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the period from the time of the queen's reunion with Charles in July 1643 to her departure for France a year later. During Henrietta Maria's remaining time with Charles her involvement in politics, war, and diplomacy continued, but was altered somewhat. The royal couple's welcome into loyal Oxford a few days after their reunion was nothing short of spectacular. After several days of debate, the king finally opted for Rupert's plan and on 10 August departed Oxford to commence the attack on Gloucester. Controversy at court arose again in August when three rebel earls - Bedford, Holland, and Clare - arrived at Oxford to offer their services to the king. Gardiner explains how the warm reception accorded the earls made the queen furious, causing Charles temporarily to abandon the attack on Gloucester and return to Oxford to, as Gardiner phrases it, "pacify his wife.".
